Men Who Have Sex With Men and Methamphetamine Use

• NCJ Number: 230042
• Journal: Social Work in Mental Health Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: March - April 2010 Pages: 160-173
• Author(s): Janice L. Ricks, LCSW, LISW, ACSW; Carmen Chang-Arratia, LCSW, GC-C; David J Lansinger, M.S.W.; Sophia Dziegielewski, Ph.D., LISW
• Date Published: April 2010
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines the risk factors of methamphetamine use and the options for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in the population of MSM (men who have sex with men).

Abstract

Health officials and AIDS activists nationwide are concerned with the increasing number of newly diagnosed HIV cases and methamphetamine use among MSM (men who have sex with men). Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that heightens sexual arousal, aggressive responses, and erases inhibitions, which can lead to indiscriminate sexual behavior, HIV infection, STDs, and Hepatitis A, B, C, and D. Health officials concede that methamphetamine use is not the sole factor in newly diagnosed HIV cases but acknowledge it is a dangerous risk factor in the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other blood pathogens in the MSM community. This article examines the risk factors, methamphetamine addiction, and options for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in the MSM population. References (Published Abstract)